Tennis no longer a priority for Djokovic

March 6, 2017 | Published by :

Johannesburg [South Africa], Mar. 6 (ANI): Novak Djokovic haqs admitted that prior to his son's birth, tennis was his number one priority, but now it is completely opposite and his focus has shifted to his family. Djokovic, became a father in October 2014 when his wife Jelena gave birth to his son Stefan. "Tennis was my number one priority when Stefan was not born. Now it's completely opposite," Sport24 quoted Djokovic as saying. "I have a son, a wife, a family, and I am extremely grateful for the blessing of being a father." "I'm at the stage where I'm trying to be the best possible husband, father and tennis player. It is challenging, but not impossible. Everyone is trying to be the best version of themselves. That's the case with me as well," he added. The 29-year-old Serb admitted despite of trying his best, he cannot be at 100 percent every day in each role. "At the same time, I cannot be at 100 percent every day in each role, although I try to give my best. I cannot give as much anybody else expects of me. But, I can always give as much of I expect from myself," he said. The Serb lost the top spot in the ATP rankings to Britain's Andy Murray last year and has been struggling of late since his last grand slam success at the French Open last year. The World No. 2 also said that he has no plans of ending his tennis playing days anytime soon, though. "I continue to play tennis with the same passion and love that I had when I picked up the racquet for the first time in my hands. Tennis makes me strong and gives me great emotions and as long as I feel it, I'll continue to play," he said. He also said one of his goals is to retain the numero one spot, however, it is not his main priority. "I want to improve and have a long career. I don't see myself ending my career anytime soon, although I'll be 30-years-old," he said. "I have a lot to accomplish, and a lot to prove to myself and others. But, consciously taking into account all the other things going in my life, I cannot separate myself professionally, as a tennis player, and privately, as a father and a husband, son, brother, friend. This all makes me complete as a person," he added. (ANI)